Arsenal Yards Hosting Picnics in the Park During the Summer With Live Music, Cash Bar

Arsenal YardsArsenal Yards Will Host Picnic in the Park several times over the summer. The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards:

With summer in full swing, Arsenal Yards invites area residents and visitors to get outside and enjoy a “Picnic in the Park.” As part of the new 21+ event series, guests are encouraged to pick up takeout from any of the delicious restaurants at Arsenal Yards, enjoy beer or wine from the cash bar, and meet on the River Green for live music on select dates now through August. With a schedule packed with a variety of local performers, musical acts include Joe Carson, The Soul Monstahs, and more! All events will have a cash bar serving beer and wine, and registration is required through Eventbrite. Online registration opens two weeks prior to the event date and attendees must be 21 or older. Reservations are available for groups of 2 – 6 people with a small fee of $2 per person benefiting a different local Watertown organization each month. For the month of June all proceeds benefit the Watertown Food Pantry.

LETTER: In Support of Modification of Plan for Arsenal on the Charles

We would like to voice our support for the modification of the Masterplan for the Arsenal on the Charles site which was submitted by Alexandria Real Estate (ARE) to the planning Board on June 9th. 

For many reasons, we believe that the ARE submission is far superior to the current Master Plan. 

The proposal brings economic development that is consistent with Watertown’s comprehensive plan, bringing excellent job opportunities in growing fields. It features state of the art carbon reduction strategies for its buildings, aggressive targets for reducing its overall carbon footprint and increased publicly accessible open space. 

ARE has previously worked in Watertown and has a demonstrated track record as a developer that engages with neighbors and contributes to the community.  Responding to citizen concerns, ARE modified its earlier landscaping plan to address the community’s recognition of the importance of trees for a healthy environment.  The plan that was presented to the Planning Board calls for 129 more trees than are currently on the site. ARE has developed a comprehensive plan that will maintain more of the larger trees on the site, transplant some existing trees to new locations and plant many new trees, paying careful attention to selecting species most suited to the Intended use. We have seen many transformations of the Watertown Arsenal over the years.  The community had important feedback for ARE. The developer listened and responded, leading to an excellent proposal for a sustainable and attractive project that will make the thriving Arsenal property even better than it is today.

More Than $250K Raised for Walker Therapeutic & Education Programs, Including Watertown’s Beacon School

Walker Therapeutic and Educational ProgramsMaureen O. Kelly, EdD, Recipient of Walker’s 2021 Distinguished Community Leadership Award. The following announcement was provided by Walker Therapeutic and Educational Programs:

On May 20, 2021 Walker Therapeutic and Educational Programs (Walker) hosted a virtual Lives in Bloom Gala which raised more than $260,000 to support the organization’s residential, educational, and community-based services for children and families. For Walker – which is celebrating 60 years of delivering special education and clinical programming to youth and families in Massachusetts – this marked the first time their signature fundraiser was held virtually. The hour-long program featured families and children in the Walker Community (including the Beacon School in Watertown) who shared their experiences, plus a staff discussion forum examining the past year and looking to the future. Walker President and CEO Gene Takahashi reflected on how the pandemic impacted Walker’s programs over the past year.

Watertown Farmers’ Market Opens Next Week, See the List of Vendors for 2021

The following announcement came from the Watertown Farmers’ market:

Opening Day is Just One Week Away! Mark Your Calendar for Wednesday June 16th ~ 2:30 – 6:30 PM. We’re so excited to open the 8th season of the Farmers’ Market, and look forward to seeing familiar as well as new faces in our favorite outdoor marketplace! Market Updates

This season will be much different than last, now that most COVID-19 restrictions have been rescinded by the State and CDC. As always, we strive to create a safe, inclusive, and comfortable environment, and encourage masks and social distancing for those who are more comfortable, and especially if unvaccinated.

Ben & Jerry’s Community Celebrations Each Saturday Feature Music, Artists

Arsenal YardsBen & Jerry’s Community Celebrations feature live music every Saturday. The Ben & Jerry’s at Arsenal Yards is hosting Community Celebrations each week with live music, local artists and giveaways. Arsenal Yards provided the following information:

Ben & Jerry’s x SRS present Community Celebration each Saturday at Arsenal Yards! Visit Ben & Jerry’s each Saturday in June and July for live music, local art and some giveaways. Arsenal YardsLocal artists will be at each Community Celebration hosted by Ben & Jerry’s at Arsenal Yards.

2021 Watertown Summer Concert Series Features 12 Dates, Variety of Music

Southbound TrainSouthbound Train will perform at Watertown’s Saltonstall Concert Series. It is one of four concerts that will feature free dance lessons beforehand. The Town of Watertown will host a series of 12 concerts at Saltonstall Park from June to September. Free dance lessons will be provided before four of the concerts by Ballroom in Boston. The Town provided the following information about the concerts:

Please join us at the 2021 Saltonstall Park Concert Series on Wednesdays from 6:30-8pm at 149 Main Street in Watertown. See flyer for more Info.